In many ways, Dean Jones redefined the way ODI cricket was to be played in the years to come. While many felt that the shorter format's urge for quicker scoring revolved around power-hitting...Full profile

In many ways, Dean Jones redefined the way ODI cricket was to be played in the years to come. While many felt that the shorter format's urge for quicker scoring revolved around power-hitting and having street-smart bowlers, he brought his own dimensions to the table. Jones was a fantastic rotator of the strike, loved to ping the gaps and often egged his partner through for the extra run even at the slightest of opportunities. This in turn put massive pressure on the opposition, because this was risk-free cricket and yet, the runs would come at a fair clip. Of course, Jones had the shots in his repertoire but he wasn't one to relax just on those and often urged himself to strive harder for perfection. His excellent running between the wickets was a priceless bonus to his versatile batsmanship. Apart from this, he was also a fine fielder who could do the job anywhere, though he loved to be in the outfield.

Having debuted in 1984 across both formats, it was ironically in Tests that he started making a name initially, courtesy the fantastic double century in the tied Test against India in Chennai. Coach Bob Simpson remarked that it was the greatest ever innings he has seen by an Australian. Fighting the heat and humidity, Jones ran out of fuel and had to be admitted in the hospital after the match. His heroics in the Test format continued and along with it, he started flowing in his more suited 50-over game as well. He was an integral part of Australia's World Cup winning squad in 1987, particularly due to his expertise in dealing with sub-continental conditions. Jones was hardly troubled by the spinners due to his footwork and ability to work the ball with soft hands.

During his peak, Jones was the backbone of the Aussie middle order in both formats. His ability to play at different gears made him special as he could almost always adapt to a crisis situation with panache. If Jones had a flaw, it was in his character as he couldn't help being brutally frank and this often created issues, both within the team and also against the opposition. It's hard to say that this was a drawback but it certainly did hurt Jones big time throughout his career. In 1992, despite being at his prime as a batsman, he saw himself being dropped from Tests for good and although he clung on in ODIs, a form dip ensured the axe there as well. Jones didn't lose hope and went back to domestic cricket, even having a successful County stint with Derbyshire.

Despite all that, the national comeback never happened and nor did the controversies seem to end as it even affected him at Derbyshire even though the team had success on the field. Jones was forced to resign and in 1998, announced retirement from all forms of the game. At the time of his exit, he had the third best batting average in ODIs ever and was placed fifth in the all time run scorers list. Post retirement, Jones turned his attention towards television commentary and has been a fine analyst ever since. What's refreshing about Jones' on-air analysis is his natural quality to speak his mind out, thereby omitting any semblance of bias. His outspoken nature did get him trouble a couple of times as a commentator but over the last decade or so, he has been sailing smoothly. In October 2017, Jones signed up as the interim coach of the Afghanistan Cricket team.